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DOCTRINE, 


CONSTITUTION  AND  DISCIPLINE 


OF   THE 


UNITED  BRETHREN  IN  CHRIST. 


SKVENTH    EDITION- 


CIRCLEVILLE,  O. 

'''RINTED   A.T  THE  CONFEXENCB  OTT'CV 

1845, 


01     THE 

UNITED  BRETHREN  IN  CHRliil 


In  the  eighteenth  century,  it  pleascci 
the  Lord  our  God  to  awaken  persons  m 
different  parts  oF  the  worldj  vvlVo  should 
raise  up  the  Christian  religion  from  its 
fallen  state,  and  preach  the  Gos[i»el  of 
Christ  crucified  in  its  purity. 

About  the  middle  of  the  said  century 
the  Lord,  in  mercy,  remembered  the 
Germans  of  America,  who,  living  scalj- 
tfered  in  this  extensive  country,  had  but 
seldom  an  opportunity  to  hear  the  gos- 
pel of  a  crucified  Saviour  preached  to 
them,  in  their  native  language. 

Ahiongst  others,  he  raised  up  William 
Otterbein  and  Martin  Boehm,  in  the  State 
of  Pennsylvania,  and  George  A.  Gecting 
m  the  State  of  Maryland,^ — armed  them 
'vvith  spirit,  grace  and  strength,  to  labot 


4  rMTED    BntTiiF{L?T 

in  His  neglected  vineyfird,  and  to  call, 
"among  the  Gernnans  in  America,  sinnera 
to  repentance.  These  men  obeyed  the 
♦^all  of  their  Lnrd  and  Master;  their  la- 
bors were  blessed;  they  established,  in 
many  places,  excellent  societies,  and  led 
many  precious  souls  to  Jesus  Christ. 
Their  sphere  of  action  spread  more  and 
more,  so  that  they  found  it  necessary  to 
look  about  for  more  feliow-laborers,  to  ' 
f  ngage  in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord,  for 
the  harvest  was  great,  and  the  laborers 
but  few.  The  Lord  called  others,  who 
were  willing  to  devote  their  strength  to 
his  «='ervice;  such,  then,  were  accepted 
by  one  or  the  other  of  the  preachers,  as 
fellow-laborers. 

The  number  of  members  in  the  soci- 
ety, in  different  parts  of  the  country,  con- 
tinued to  increase  from  time  to  time;  and 
the  gracious  work  of  reformation  spread 
through  the  States  of  Pennsylvania,  Ma- 
ryland, and  Virginia,  Several  great  meet- 
ings were  appointed,  and  held  annually^ 
'ivhen,  on  such  occasions,  Olterbein  would 


\ 


DISCIPLINE.  5 

)ioltl  particular  cotiversationa  with  the 
preachers  then  present,  represent  to  them 
the  importance  of  the  ministry,  and  the 
necessity  of  their  utmost  endeavors  to 
save  souls.  At  one  of  these  meetings,  it 
was  resolved  to  hold  a  conference  with 
all  the  preachers,  in  order  to  take  into 
consideration,  how,  and  in  what  manner 
they  might  he  most  useful. 

The  first  Conference  was  held  in  the 
city  of  Baltimore,  Md.,  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord,  1789.  The  following  preach- 
ers were  present,  viz: 

WM-  OtTERBEIN,  AdA3I    LEHrifAX, 

M.A.RTi>f  BoEHM,  John  Ernst, 

Geo.  a.  Geetinq,        Henry  Weidner, 
CiVn.  Newcomer. 
The   second  Conference   was   held  in 
Paradise  township,  York  Co.,  Pa  ,  at  the 
house  of  Bro.  Spangler,  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord,  179  L     The  following  preach- 
ers were  present,  viz: 
\Vm.  Otterbein,         John  Ernst, 

i\1aRTIN   BoEILM,  J.  (ir.   P.FREM3XER^ 


6  Ux^IITED    BRETHREN 

Geo.  a.  Geeting,       JoifM  Neidig, 
Ch''n.  Newcomer,       Benedict  Sant-er. 
Adam  Lehman. 

After  mature  deliberation,  how  they 
rnight  labor  most  usefully  in  the  vineyard 
of  the  Lord,  they  again  appointed  such, 
as  fellow-laborers,  of  whom  they  had 
cause  to  believe,  had  experienced  true 
religion  in  their  own  souls. 

\n  the  mean  time,  the  number  of  mem- 
bers continued  to  increase,  and  the  prea- 
chers were  obliged  to  appoint  an  Annual 
Conference,  irj  order  to  unite  themselves 
more  closely,  and  to  labor  more  success 
fully  in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord;  for, 
some  had  been  Presbyterians  or  German 
Reformed,  some  Lutherans,  and  others 
Menonists.  They  accordingly  appointed 
a  Conference,  to  be  held  on  the  25th  of 
September,  1800,  in  Frederick  Co.,  Md., 
at  the  house  of  Bro.  Frederick  Kemp. 
The  following  preachers  were  present^ 
viz: 

Wm.  Otterbetn,        CnHi^TiAN  Kruj-^j 
Maftin  Bofiim,         Henry  Krum. 


discipline.  7 

'Geo.  a.  Geeting,       John  Hershey, 
Ch^n.  NewcomeRj      Jacob  Geisingek. 
Adam  Lehman,  Henry  Boehbi, 

Abra'm  Dracksel,     Diet'k  AurauFj 
I.  G.  Pfremmer. 

There  they  united  themselves  into  a 
Society  which  bears  the  name,  ^'UNITED 
BRETHREN  IN  CtCRlST,"  and  elect-^ 
ed  WiUiam  Otterhein  a.nd  Martin  Boehn, 
as  superintendents  or  bishops5and  agreed 
that  each  of  them  should  be  at  liberty, 
as  to  the  mode  and  manner  of  baptism,  to 
perform  it  according  to  their  own  con- 
victions. 

From  this  time,  the  society  increasing 
still,  more  and  more,  preachers  were  ap- 
pointed  to  travel  regularly,  inasmuch 
as  the  number  of  preaching  places  could 
not  otherwise  be  attended  to;  and  the 
work  spread  itself  into  the  States  of 
Ohio  and  Kentucky.  It  then  became  ne- 
cessary to  appoint  a  Conference  in  the 
State  of  Ohio,  because  it  was  conceived 
too  laborious  for  the  preachers  who  la- 
bored in  those  States,  to  travel,  annual- 


o  UNITEt)    BRETHREN 

ly,  sucha  great  distance  to  the  Confer- 
ence. 

In  the  mean  time,  Brothers  Boehm  and 
Geeting d'xed,  and  Brother  OUerbein  desi- 
red that  another  Bishop  should  be  elect- 
ed, (because  infirmity  and  old  age  would 
not  permit  him  to  superintend  any  lon- 
ger,) who  should  take  charge  of  the  So- 
ciety, and  preserve  discipline  and  order. 
It  was  resolved  at  a  former  Conference, 
that,  whenever  one  of  the  bishops  died, 
another  should  be  elected  in  his  place: 
accordingly,  Brother  Christian  Keiccom- 
er  was  elected  bishop,  to  take  charge  of 
and  superintend  the  concerns  of  the  So- 
ciety. 

The  want  of  a  Discipline  in  the  So- 
ciety had  long  been  deeply  felt,  and  par- 
tial attempts  having  been  made  at  differ- 
ent times,  it  was  resolved  at  the  Con  ference 
held  in  the  State  of  Ohio,  that  a  GeDcral 
Conference  should  be  held  in  order  to 
accomplish  the  same,  in  a  manner  not  de- 
rogatory to  the  word  of  God.  The  mem- 
bers of  this  Conference  were  to  be  elect- 


DISCIPLINE. 


ed  from  among  the  preachers,  in  the  dif- 
lerent  parts  of"  the  country,  by  a  vote  of 
the  Society   in  general.     The  following 
Brethren  were  duly  elected,  viz: 
Ch'n.  Newcomer,       Daniel  Trever, 


Abr'm.  Hiestand, 
Andrew  Zeller, 
Christian  Berger, 
Abraham  Meyer, 
John  Schneider, 
Henry  Kumler, 


Geo.  Benedum, 
Abr'm.  Tracksel, 
Henry  G.Spayth, 
I.  Nighswanger, 
Christian  Krum, 
Jacob  Bowlus. 
The  Conference  convened  on  the  6th 
day  of  June,  1815,  near  Mount  Pleasant, 
Westmoreland  Co.,  Pa.     After  a  mature 
deliberation,     they  presented     to    their 
brethren  a  discipline, containing  the  doc- 
trine and    rules  of  the    church,  desiring 
that  they,  together  with  the  word  of  God, 
should  be  strictly  observed. 

God  is  a  God  oforder,  but  where  there 
is  no  order,  nor  Church  Discipline,  the 
spirit  of  love  and  charity  will  be  lost. 

Therefore,  brethren,  we  beseech  you 
to  follow  the  example  of  our  Lord:  as  it 
is  written:    "Be  kindlv   aireclionalc  one 


10  UNITED    BRETHREN 

to  anotliei  with  brotherly  love,  in  hon- 
or preferring  one  another.  Let  the  mind 
be  in  you  which  was  in  Christ,  who  took 
ypon  Iliraself  the  form  of  a  servant,  hum- 
t)led  himself,  and  became  obedient  unto 
death,  even  the  death  of  the  cross,"  that 
by  his  grace  we  may  submit  ourselves 
<me  to  another  in  the  fear  of  God.  He 
who  will  not  submit  is  in  want  of  humble 
love.  Jesus  said:  ''Whosoever  will  be 
chief  among  you,  let  him  be  your  ser- 
vant. By  this  shall  all  men  know  that 
ye  are  my  disciples,  If  ye  have  love  one 
to  another;  and  whoso  loveth  not  his 
brother  abideth  in  death."  Let  us  walk 
in  newness  of  life,  that  the  prayer  of 
our  Lord  may  be  ans\vei<ed  in  us:  that 
we  may  be  one  in  hiiYii  and  that  he  may  |fil 
give  us  the  glory  which  he  gave  to,  hU- 
disciples,  that  we  may  be  one  even  as  ffe 
and  the  Father  are  one.  Therefore,  be- 
loved brethren,  let  us  strive  to  be  like 
minded,  having  the  same  love,  being  of 
one  accord,  of  one  mind  Let  no  one 
speak  or  think  evil  of  his  brother,  but 


DISCIPLINE.  1  1 

pray  God,  that  He  may  grant  us  His  Spi- 
rit, and  an  earnest desii'G  to  lead  a  truly 
devoted  life,  to  the  honor  and  glory  of 
His  holy  name:  Amen. 


12  UNITED    BRETHREN- 

SECTFON  I. 
Canfessioii  of  JFitltli, 

In  the  name  of  God  we  declare  and 
confeis  befcjre  all  men,  that,  We  believe 
in  th^  only  true  God,  the  Father,  the  Son, 
and  Holy  Ghost:  That  these  Three  are 
One,  the  Father  in  the  Son,  the  Son  in 
the  Father,  and  the  Holy  Ghost  equal  in 
essence  or  bains:  with  boih:  That  this 
Triune  God  created  the  heavens  and  the 
earth,  and  all  that  in  ihem  is,  visible  as 
well  as  invisible,  and  furthermore,  sus- 
tains, governs,  protects,  and  supports  the 
same. 

We  believe  in  Jesus  Christ:  That  He 
is  very  God  and  man:  That  He  became 
incarnate  by  the  power  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  in  the  virgin  Mary,  and  was  born 
of  her:  That  He  is  the  Saviour  and  ]\lei* 
dialer  of  the  whole  human  race,  if  they 
with  full  faith  in  him,  accept  ihe  grace 
proflered  in  Jesus:  That  this  Jesus  suf- 
iered  and  died  on  the  Cross  for  us,  was 
buried,  arose  again  on  the  third  day,  as- 
cended  into  He:u'en,  and   sittcth  ou   th.'^ 


i)]SC-irLL\E.  13 

right  hand  of  God,  to  intercede  for  us: 
and.  that  he  shall  come  again  at  the  last 
day,  to  judge  the  quick  and  the  dead. 

We  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost:  that 
lie  is  equal  in  being  with  the  Father-and 
the  Son :  and  that  lie  comforts  the  faith- 
ful, and  guides  them  into  all  truth. 

We  believe  in  a  holy  Christian! Church, 
the  communion  ofsaints,  the  resurrection 
of  the  body,  and  life  everlasting. 

We  believe  that  the  Holy  Bible,  old 
and  new  testaments,  is  the  word  of  God: 
That  it  contains  the  only  true  way  to 
our  salvation:  That  every  true  chris- 
tian is  bound  to  acknowledge  and  receive 
it  with  the  influence  of  the  Spirit  of  God, 
as  the  only  rule  and  guide:  and  that 
without  faith  in  Jesus  Christ  true  repen- 
tance, forgiveness  of  sins,  and  following 
after  Christ,  no  one  can  be  a  true  chris- 
tian. 

We  also  hclievG,  that  what  is  conl^j'n- 
ed  in  the  Holy  Scriptures,  to  wtt :  The 
fall    in  Adam,  and    redemption  through 


M-  TJNITEI)    BKEtIlR£r? 

Jesus  Cliiist,  shall  be  preached  through^ 
out  the  world. 

We  believe  that  th^  ordinances,  name- 
ly, baptism,  and  the  remembrance  of  the 
sufferings  and  death  of  oar  Lord  Jesuo 
Christ,  are  to  be  in  use,  and  practised  by 
all  christian  societies:  And  that  it  is  in- 
cumbent on  all  the  children  of  God,  par- 
ticularly, to  practise  them:  but  the  man- 
n'er  in  which,  ought  always  to  be  left  to 
the  judgment  and  understanding  of  every 
individual:  Also,  the  ex^ample  of  wash- 
ing feet,  is  left  to  the  judgment  of  every 
one,  to  practise  or  not;  but  it  is  not  be- 
coming for  any  of  our  preachers  or  mem^ 
bers  to  traduce  any  of  their  brethren' 
whose  judgment  and  understanding,  in 
this  respect,  are  different  from  their  own, 
either  in  public  or  private.  Whosoever 
shall  make  himself  guilty  in  this  respect, 
shall  be  considered  a  traducer  of  his 
brethren,  and  shall  be  answerable  for  th© 
same. 


DrscirLiNE.  15 

b'ECTfON  II. 
Coustitutioii. 

We,  the  members  of  the  Church  of  the 
UNITED  BRETHREN  IN  CHRIST, 
in  the  name  of  God,  do,  for  the  perfect- 
ing of  the  saints,  for  the  work  of  the 
ministry,  for  the  edifying  of  the  body  of 
Christ,  as  well  as  to  produce  and  secure 
a  uniform  mode  of  action,  in  faith  a«d 
practice,  as  also  to  define  the  povversand 
the  business  of  Quarterly,  Annual,  and 
General  Conferences,  as  recognized  by 
this  Church,  ordain  the  following  articles 
of  CONSTITUTION. 

ARTICLE  1. 

Section  1. — All  ecclesiastical  power 
herein  granted,  to  make  or  repeal  any 
rule  of  discipline,  is  vested  in  a  General 
Conference,  which  shall  consist  of  El- 
ders elected  by  the  members  in  every 
Con.  District  throughout  the  Society: 
Provided,  however,  such  Elders  shall 
have  stood  in  that  capacity  three  years, 
in  the  conference  district  to  which  th^y 
belong. 


16  UNITED    BRETHREN 

Sec.  2. — General  Conference  is  to  be 
held  every  four  years:  the  Bishops  to  be 
considered  members  and  presiding  offi- 
cers. 

Sec.  3. — Each  AnnualConferenceshaH 
place  before  the  Society  the  names  of  all 
the  Elders  eligible  to  membership  in  the 
General  Conference. 

ARTICLE  11. 

Section  l.~ The  General  Conference 
shall  define  the  boundaries  of  the  Annu- 
al Conferences. 

Sec,  2.~The  General  Conference  shall, 
at  every  session, elect  Bishops  from  among 
the  Elders,  throughout  the  church,  who 
have  stood  six  years  in  that  capacity. 

Sec.  3. — The  business  of  each  Annual 
Conference  shall  be  done  strictly,  accor- 
ding to  discipline;  and  any  Annual  Con- 
ference acting  contrary  thereunto,  shall, 
by  impeachmentj  be  tried  by  the  General 
Conference. 

Sec.  4.— No  rule  or  ordinance  shall 
at  any  time    be  passed,  to  change  or  do 


DISCIPLINE  17 

away  the  Confession  of  Faith  as  ii  now 
stands,  nor  to  destroy  the  itinerant  plan. 

.Sec.  5. — There  shall  no  rule  be  adop- 
ted that  will  infringe  upon  the  rights  of 
any  as  it  relates  to  the  mode  of  Baptism, 
the  Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  or 
the  washing  of  feet. 

Sec.  6. — There  shall  be  no  rule  made 
that  will  deprive  local  preachers  of  their 
votes  in  the  Annual  Conferences  to  which 
they  severally  belong. 

Sec.  7. — There  shall  be  no  connection 
with  secret  combinations,  nor  shall  in- 
voluntary servitude  be  tolerated  in  any 
way. 

Sec,  8, — The  right  of  appeal  shall  be 
inviolate. 

ARTICLE  III. 

The  right,  title,  interest,  and  claim  of 
all  property,  whether  consisting  in  lots  of 
ground,  meeting  houses,  legacies,  be- 
quests, or  donations  of  any  kind,  obtain- 
ed by  purchase  or  otherwise,  by  any  per- 
son or  persons,  for  the  use,  benefit,  and 
behoof  of  the  Church  of  the  United 
1* 


18  UNITED    BRETHREN 

Brethren  in  Christ,  is  hereby  fully  recog 
xiized    and   held   to  be    property   of  the 
Church  aforesaid. 

ARTICLE  IV. 

There  shall  be  np  alteration  of  the 
foregoing  constitution,  unless  by  request 
of  two-thirds  of  the  whole  Society. 

May  19,  1841. 

SECTION  III. 
Ceueral  Coufcrence. 

Question  1st. — Who  are  the  members 
of  the  General  Conference? 
OCrSee  Constitution. 
Ques,  2. — How  are  they  to  be  elected? 

^715.  1. — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  each 
annual  Conference  to  appoint  a  committee 
of  three,  in  their  several  conference  dis- 
tricts, to  receive  and  count  the  votes,  and 
immediately  apprize  those  who  may  have 
been  elected:  also,  to  furnish  the  Presi- 
ding Elders  with  a  list  of  all  the  elders 
eligible, 

2. — The  Presiding  Elders  shall  furnish 
each  preacher  in  charge,  whose  duty  it 


DISCII'LLXE.  19 

shall  be  to  furnish  each  class  leader  or 
steward,  tiiroughout  tke  circuits,  with  a 
copy  of  the  same,  at  least  ten  months  be- 
fore the  silting  of  General  Conference, 
and  the  election  to  be  held  invariably  on 
the  first  Saturday  of  November  next, 
precedinj^  the  Gen.  Conference  through- 
out the  Church. 

3. — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  each  class 
leader  or  steward,  to  appoint  a  meeting 
of  the  membars  of  each  class,  for  the 
purpose  of  electing,  by  ballot  or  other- 
wise, their  delegates  to  represejU  them 
in  General  Conference. 

4 — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  each  class 
leader,  or  steward,  to  sign,  enclose,  and 
seal  each  bill  of  election,  and  keep  a  cor- 
rect copy  of  the  same,  stating  what  class 
and  circuit,  hand  it  over  to  the  preacher 
in  charge,  who  shall  deliver  it  to  the  Pre- 
siding Elder,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to 
transmit  it  to  the  committee  appointed 
by  the  Annual  Conference. 

5. — Said  committee  shall  make  a  list 
of  all  the  persons   voted    for,  and  of  the 


20  UNITED    BRETHREN 

number  of  votes  for  each.  And  should 
any  two  or  more  of  the  candidates  have 
an  equal  number  of  votes,  the  committee 
shall  determine,  by  lot,  who,  or  which  of 
them  are  elected.  They  shall  also  for- 
ward the  names  of  those  elected  to  the 
Conference  Printing  Establishment  for 
publication,  and  if  one  or  more  of  the 
brethren  highest  on  the  bill  of  election 
should  be  prevented  by  death,  sickness, 
or  otherwise,  from  attending,  it  shall  be 
the  duty  of  the  tellers  to  notify  the  next 
liighest  on  the  bill,  to  take  his  place. 

Ques.  3. — What  shall  be  the  number 
of  delegates  to  General  Conference? 

Ans — Three  from  each  Annual  Con- 
ference District. 

Ques.  4. — How  shall  the  expenses  of 
^the  delegates  to  the  General  Conference 
'be  defrayed? 

Ans. — When  the  classleader  or  stew- 
•ard  takes  the  vote  for  delegates  to  Gen- 
•eral  Conference,  he  shall  lift  a  collection 
:for  that   purpose,  which  he  shall    remit 


DISCIPLINE.  21 

to  the  committee,  who  are  to  count  the 
votes,  and  the  committee  shall  pay  it  over 
to  the  delegates  elected. 

SECTION  IV. 
Auiiiial  Conference. 

Qiies.  1. — Who  are  the  members  of 
this  Conference? 

Ans. — All  the  elders  and  licentiate 
preachers,  who  have  bet  n  duly  received 
by  the  Conference,  but,  when  such  licen- 
tiate preachers  are  proposed  for  ordina- 
tion, the  Elders  only  shall  determine  the 
same  by  vote. 

Ques.  2. — In  what  manner  are  the 
transactions  of  a  Conference  to  be  con- 
ducted? 

Ans,  1, — A  portion  of  Scripture  shall 
b3  read:  also  singing  and  prayer  each 
day,  at  the  opening  and  at  the  closing  of 
Conference. 

2. — The  Conference  shall  elect  two 
Secretaries,  one  German,  and  one  Eng- 
lish, wherever  it  may  be  necessary.  And 
when  but  one  Bishop  is  present,  the  Con* 


22  UNITED    BRETIiriEN 

ference  shall  elect  a  chairman  by  ballot 
to  act  in  conjunction  with  the  Bishop. 

3. — The  preachers  shall  be  c.xannined 
respecting  their  deportment  towardstht  ir 
fellow-beings,  whether  their  conduct  in 
life  be  blameless,  and  whether  they  e*^i- 
ploy  as  much  time  as  possible  to  promote 
the  kingdom  of  God;  according  to  Titus 
1st  cp.  7th  to  9th  V.  and  2d  Tim.  2d  cp. 
15  v.,  and  shall  be  admonished  or  advised 
as  the  case  may  be. 

The  following  questions  shall  then  be 
asked: 

1. — Have  any  of  the  preachers  died 
during  the  last  3^ear? 

2. — Who  are  the  candidates  for  the 
ministry  ? 

3. — Are  any  to  be  ordained  to  the 
office  of  Elder? 

4. — What  has  been  collected  for  con- 
tingent expenses  and  the  salary  of  tra- 
velling preachers? 

6. —  [fas  reckoning  been  made  with  the 
travelling  preachers? 

6.-i~Have  they   received  their  dues? 


DISCIPLINE.  23 

7. — Who  are  willing  to  travel  the  en 
suing  year,  without  reserve?     " 

8. — Who  are  the  Presiding  Elders? 

9 — Where  are  the  preachers  station- 
ed this  year? 

10. — No  preacher     shall    arbitrarily 
form  a  mission,  or  circuit,  within  the  em 
brace  of  any  circuit, or  Presiding  Elders 
district. 

1 1. — Where  shall  our  next  Conference 
beheld? 

12. — Is  there  any  thing  else  to  be  done? 

13. — Is  all  that  has  been  done  entered 
upon  record? 

SECTION'  V. 
Reception  of  Preacliers. 

Ques.  1. — How  are  the  preachers  re- 
ceived? 

Arts. — Every  person  proposed  as  a 
preacher,  shall  be  examined  by  the  Con- 
ference, or  a  select  committee;  and  the 
following  questions  shall  be  put  to  him, 
viz: 


24  UNITED   BRETHREN 

Have  you  known  God  in  Christ  Jesus 
to  be  a  sin  pardoning  God. 

Have  you  now  peace  with  God,  and 
is  the  love  of  God  shed  abroad  in  your 
heart  by  the  Holy  Spirit? 

Do  you  follow  after  holiness? 

Do  you  believe  the  Bible  to  be  the  word 
of  God;  and  that  therein  is  contained  the 
true  way  lo  our  salvation? 

What  foundation  have  you  for  that 
belief? 

What  is  your  motive  for  desiring  per- 
mission to  preach  the  gospel  ? 

What  is  your  knowledge  of  faith,  of 
depravity,  of  repentance,  justification, 
sanctification,  and  redemption? 

Does  your  own  salvation,  and  the  sal- 
vation of  your  fellow  mortals,  lie  nearer 
to  your  heart  than  all  other  things  in  the 
world? 

Can  you  subject  yourself  to  the  coun- 
sel of  your  brethren? 

Are  you  satisfied  with  our  church  go- 
vernment? 


DISCIPLINE.  25 

Will  you  be  obedient  and  ready  to 
speak  or  hold  your  peace,  as  your  breth- 
ren may  think  expedient? 

Are  you  willing,  as  much  as  is  in  your 
power,  to  assist  in  upholding  the  itine- 
rant plan,  and  supporting  the  same  as 
much  as  possible? 

IT  None  can  be  admitted  without  hav- 
ing a  recommendation  from  the  Quarter- 
ly Conference,  and  then  only  to  be  re- 
ceived on  probation  for  the  term  of  three 
years,  but  if  Conference  should  on  ex- 
amination, find  that  his  abilities  are  in- 
sufficient to  preach  the  gospel,  it  may  re- 
fer him  back  to  the  Quarterly  Confer- 
ence for  further  instruction,  or  reject 
him,  as  the  case  may  be. 

SECTION  vr. 
Course  oK  Reading^. 

Holding  that  at  least  a  measureable 
knowledge  of  the  Holy  Bible  is  requisite 
for  any  one,  to  fit  him  for  the  Christian 
Ministry,  therefore,  the  following  ar- 
rangement of  the  great  features  of  ^hr^ 


26  UiMTED    BRETHllEN 

Holy  Scriptures,  in  regular  order,  is  con- 
sidered by  us  advisable,  and  also,  an  as- 
sistant to  a  proposed  Minister  in  the  stu- 
dy thereof,  therefore,  none  shall  be  ad- 
mitted to  membership  into  an  Annual 
Conference,  who  does  not  apply  himself 
diligently  to  the  study  of  the  following 
particulars,  viz:  The  Doctrine — Biogra- 
phy— Geography — History  and  Chronolo- 
gy of  the  Bible. 

SECTION  VII. 
Itinerant  Plan. 

Atevery  Annual  Conference  after  the 
present  General  Conference,  the  Bishop 
shall  ask  the  following  questions. 

Ques. — Who  are  willing  to  travel  with- 
out reserve? 

1.  Those  who  answer  the  question  in 
the  affirmative,  and  are  placed  on  a  cir- 
cuit, station  or  mission,  by  the  stationing 
Committee,  shall  be  considered  Itinerant 
preachers  from  year  to  year.  Provided, 
however,  that  if  the  Stationing  Commit- 
tee see  proper  at  a  future   time  to  leave 


DISCIPLLNE.  27 

any  of  the  Itinerant  brethren  without  an 
appointment,  he  shall  not  he  debarred 
from  his  interest  in  funds  belonging  to 
said  Conference. 

2. — If  any  who  are  received  as  above 
stated,  shall  cease  to  travel  without  giv- 
ing satisfaction  to  the  Conference  of 
which  he  is  a  member,  he  shall  not  be 
entitled  to  any  support  from  the  funds  be- 
longing to  said  Conference.  And,  fur- 
thermore, he  shall  not  re-enter  the  Itine- 
rancy without  the  consent  of  at  least 
two-thirds  of  the  Conference. 

3. — All  who  from  time  to  time, propose 
joining  the  Itinerancy,  must  come  in  ac- 
cording to  the  above  named  plan. 

Ques. — What  shall  be  done  for  the 
support  of  the  Itinerancy  ? 

Ans. — See  Discipline^  Section  xix. 

Ques. — What  shall  be  done  for  ihe  sup- 
port of  the  P.  Elder's? 

Ans. — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  each  An- 
nual Conference  to  make  such  regula- 
tions for  the  support  of  the  Presiding 
J'Dders,  as  Ihey  in  their  wisdom  may  think 


28  UNITED   BRETHREN 

best  calculated    to  accomplish   the  desi- 
red end. 

Ques, — What  shall  be  done  to  regulate 
the  Annual  Conference  in  the  division  of 
Circuits? 

Ans. — The  Annual  Cohference  shall 
appoint  a  comnnittee,  whose  duty  it  shall 
be  to  divide  a  Circuit  when  necessary. 
A  Circuit  for  a  married  man  shall  con- 
sist of  at  least  two  hundred  members; 
for  a  married  and  single  man,  three  hun- 
dred members,  and  so  on  in  proportion. 
This  is  not,  however,  to  be  so  construed 
as  to  interfere  with  missions,  or  stations. 

2. — 1  f  a  Station  is  desired  by  any  class, 
it  shall  be  made  known  to  the  preacher 
in  charge,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  call 
a  meeting  of  the  male  members,  and  state 
the  matter  to  them  fairly,  and  if  {wc- 
thirds  of  them  are  then  in  favor  of  it, 
and  think  that  they  can  support  a  sta- 
tion, they  shall  then  be  advised  to  peti- 
tion the  Annual  Conference  to  have  it 
granted.  The  Conference,  however, shall 
not  grant  a  Station,  if  by  so  doing,  they 


DISCIPLINE.  29 

shall  ascertain  that  it  will  so  weaken  the 
circuit,  that  it  will  not  be  ab'e  to  support 
a  preacher. 

3. — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  all  Station- 
ed preachers  to  visit  every  family  under 
their  charge,  at*  least  once  every  quarter, 
and  pay  strict  attention  to  the  young 
members  of  their  charge. 

4. — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  Circuit 
preachers  to  visit  as  much  as  possible. 

May  19,  1845. 

SECTION  viri. 
Quarterly  Conference, 

Ques,  1. — Whoare  the  members  of  the 
Quarterly  Conference? 

Ans. — All  the  properly  recognized 
preachers,  exhorters,  leaders,  stewards, 
and  Trustees  of  Meeting  Houses;  who 
reside  within  the  bounds  of  the  circuit  or 
station. 

Ques.  2. — What  is  the  business  of  the 
Quarterly  Cpnference? 

Ans.  1. — To  elect  a  secretary  whose 
duty  it  shall  be  to  keep  a  correct  record 
of  all  their  proceedings,  in  a   book   pro* 


3U  UNITED    BRETHREN 

vided  for  that  purpose,  in  which  the 
names  of  all  the  members,  composing  the 
said  Conference,  shall  be  entered. 

2. — To  make  a  general,  or,  if  neces- 
sary, a  particular  enquiry  into  the  mo- 
ral deportment  of  all  its  menbers. 

3. — To  receive  and  try  all  appeals,  re- 
ferences, and  complaints,  that  may  come 
regularly  before  them,  but  no  member 
of  Quarterly  Conference  can  be  suspen- 
ded, or  expelled,  prior  to  a  committee 
trial. 

4. — To  grant  license  to  exhort,  or 
preach,  to  such  as  may  have  been  re- 
commfii.ded  by,  at  least,  two-thirds  of  the 
class  of  which  he  or  they  are  members: 
provided,  however,  that  none  shall  re- 
ceive license  who  cannot  give  satisfacto- 
ry evidence  of  his  or  their  call,  experi- 
ence, soundness  in  doctrine,  and  attach- 
ment to  our  church  and  government. 

5. — To  make  settlement  with  the  stew- 
a.<l-5  and  travelling  preachers. 

(J  — Tijui  \\\e  licciiscoi'  pxhorter-;,  and 


DTSCIFLINK.  31 

Quarterly  Conference  licenced  preachers, 
be  subject  to  a  renewal  annually. 

v.— And  that  after  such  licentiate 
preachers  have  stood  in  that  capacity  one, 
or  more  years,  the  Quarterly  Conference 
may  recommend  Ihem  to  the  Annual  Con- 
ference. 

8.— All  preachers  recommended  to  the 
Annual  Conference,  and  not  received, 
may  sustain  their  former  relation. 

Ques,  3. —  How  are  preachers  from 
other  societies  received? 

Ans. — If  they  come  to  us  with  certifi- 
cates of  good  standing  in  the  society  in 
which  they  have  had  membership,  and 
give  satisfaction  to  the  Quarterly  Con- 
lerence,  of  their  willingness  to  conform 
to  our  church  government  and  usages, 
then  the  Quarterly  Conference  may  li- 
cense them  till  the  next  Annual  Confer- 
ence ensuing;  after  which,  if  their  con- 
duct is  in  accordance  with  the  Gospel  of 
Christ,  they  may  be  considared  as  prea- 
chers or  elders,  \\\\o  stand  under  a  simi- 
lar license  among  us. 


32  UNITED    BRETHREN 

Ques.  4. — What  directions  are  neces- 
sary in  case  of  appeals? 

Ans. — Any  exhorter,  or  preacher,  dis- 
satisfied with  the  decision  of  a  Quarterly 
Conference,  shall,  within  thirty  days  af- 
ter the  Quarterly  Conference,  notify  the 
secretary,  in  writing,  of  his  intention  to 
appeal,  together  with  his  reasons  for  so. 
doing;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  sec- 
retary to  take  or  send  a  certified  copy  of 
the  proceedings,  the  notifications  and  rea- 
sons assigned,  to  the  Annual  Conference. 

Ques.  5. — Where  shall  our  next  Quar- 
terly Conference  be  held? 

It  shall  also  be  the  duty  of  the  Quar- 
terly Conference  to  open  and  close  by 
singing  and  prayer. 

SFOTION  IX. 
iriembers  in  General. 

Ques. — How  shall  members  be  taken 
into  our  society? 

Ans. — When,  at  any  meeting,  a  per- 
son makes  known  a  design   to  become  a 


DISCIPLINE.  33 

tt4ember  of  our  society, then  the  preacher 
present  shall  put  the  following  question  :— 

*'Have  you  experien<!ed  the  pardon  of 
your  sins,  and  are  you  determined,  by  the 
grace  of  God-,  to  save  your  soul?" 

If  the  person  answers  the  question  ia 
the  affirmative,  and  no  objection  be  made 
by  any  member,  on  account  of  his  or  her 
immoral  conduct,  then  the  preacher  will 
give  his  right  hand  to  such,  as  a  member 
of  our  society, and  record  his  or  her  name 
on  the  class  book ;  but  so  long  as  any  per- 
son cannot  answer  the  above  question  in 
the  affirmative,  such  person  shall  not  be 
considered  in  full  membership,  and  shall 
have  no  vote  in  the  society. 

Every  member  of  this  society  shall 
acknowledge  and  confess  that  he  believes 
the  Bible  to  be,  and  contain,  the  holy 
word  of  God :  that  be  will  henceforth 
strive,  with  all  his  heart,  to  seek  his  eter- 
nal welfare  in  Christ  Jesus,  and  work  out 
his  salvation  with  fear  and  trembling,  to 
the  end  that  he  may  be  enabled  iojlee 
from  the  wrath  to  come! 

Every  member  shall  endeavor  to  leacJ 
2 


34  UNITED   BRETBREN 

a  good  life,  be  diligent  in  prayer,  parti- 
cularly in  private,  and,  for  his  own  edifi- 
cation, to  be  present  at,  and  attend  to, 
when  practicable,  all  meetings  for  wor- 
ship. 

Heads  of  families  should  never  omit 
to  pray  with  their  families,  morning  and 
evening,  and  to  set  them  a  good  exam- 
ple in  all  the  christian  virtues. 

Every  one  should  strive  to  walk  as 
in  the  presence  of  God ;  also,  to  accustom 
himself  to  a  close  communion  with  God^ 
in  all  his  employments,  and  never  to 
speak  evil  of  his  fellow  beings,  but  to 
practise  love  towards  friend  and  foe;  to 
do  good  to  the  poor,  and  to  endeavor  to  be 
a  follower  of  Jesus  Christ,  indeed. 

Every  one  shall  keep  the  Sabbath  day 
holy,  as  required  in  the  word  of  God: — 
neither  buy  nor  sell,  but  spend  the  sam« 
in  exercises  of  devotion,  in  reading  and 
hearing  the  word  of  God,  and  with  sing- 
ing spiritual  hymns  to  th€  honor  and  glo- 
ry of  God. 

It  is  the  duty  of  every  member  to  lead 
a  ^uiet,  peaceable,  and  godly  life  among 


DISCIPLINE.  35 

men,  as  it  becomes  a  christian  to  live  in 
peacej  and  to  be  subject  to  the  higher  or 
ruling  powers,  as  the  word  of  God  re- 
quires. 

Every  member  of  our  society  should 
willingly  and  freely  contribute  something 
quarterly,  *'as  the  Lord  has  prospered 
him;"  1  Cor.,  xvi,  2,  towards  the  support 
of  the  itinerant  preachers. 

When  it  is  known  by  any  of  our  clas^ 
leaders,  that  there  are  poor  members 
among  them,  who  by  sickness,  accident^ 
or  by  other  unavoidable  circumstances, 
have  been  brought  to  want,  it  shall  then 
be  the  duty  of  the  leader  in  charge,  to 
go,  or  appoint  one  to  wait  upon  the  class, 
to  ask  alms,  money,  clothing,  or  produce, 
as  the  circumstances  may  require,  and 
should  any  one  class  be  too  poor  to  allc^ 
viate  their  poor,  it  shall  then  be  made 
known  to  the  preacher  in  charge,  whose 
duty  it  shall  be  to  inform  the  different 
classes  on  his  circuit,  and  if  it  should  so 
happen  that  any  one  circuit  should  be  in- 
sufficient to  meet  the  wants  of  their  poor^ 
it  shall  then  be  the  duty  of  the  Presiding 


36  UNITED   BRETHREN 

Elder,  to  present  the  matier  on  the  dif- 
lerent  circuits  at  their  Quarterly  Con- 
ferences, so  that  the  unavoidable  poor  of 
<our  church  may  be  considered,  and  pro- 
vided for.  1  John  iii.  ch.  17  v. — XLI.  Psa. 
1-2  vrs. 

The  foregoing  rules  are  drawn  up  for 
the  better  regulation  of  our  society^  and 
we  believe  they  are  founded  in  the  word 
■of  God,  and  incumbent  en  all  who  are 
members  of  our  Church  to  observe-. 
Should  any  habitually  neglect  them, they 
shall  be  admonished,  and  if  they  do  not 
reform  they  cannot  continue  among  us. 

•SECTION  X. 
Iforining  and  Meeting  Cla,sses« 

Whereas,  it  is  made  the  duty  of  El- 
ders and  preachers  to  form  and  hold  class 
meetings,  which  should  always  be  done 
in  great  moderation  and  meekness.  No 
member  will  be  allowed  to  use  any  means 
to  prevent  an  Elder  or  preacher  in  the 
discharge  of  his  duty.  A  member  doing 
so,  shall  be  accountable  to  the  next  Quar- 
terly Conference. 


DISCIPLINE.  37 

SECTION  xr. 
Classes. 

I, — A  class  shall  consist  of  three  or 
more  members,  who  shall  annually  elect 
one  member  from  their  own  or  some  other 
class,  who  shall  be  called  their  leader. 

Question. — What  is  the  duty  of  a  lea- 
der? 

Ans. — It  shall  be  his  duty  to  meet  his 
class  in  prayer  meeting  or  class  meeting, 
at  least  once  a  week ;  to  speak  to  them 
concerning  the  spiritual  welfare  of  their 
souls,  and  to  exhort  ihem  to  unity  and 
love.  And  lie  shall  extend  the  freedom 
of  our  prayer  and  class  meetings  to  all 
sincere  and  well  disposed  persons  who 
may  desire  to  attend  them. 

U. — Every  class  shall  annually  elect 
one  who  shall  be  called  class  steward. 

Qaes. — What  is  the  duty  of  a  steward? 

Ans.  1, — -lie  shall  collect  quarterly 
contributions  for  the  support  of  the  tra- 
veling preachers;  keep  an  accurate  ac- 
count thereof,  and  return  the  same  to 
each  Quarterly  Conference. 


38  UNITED   BRETHREN 

2. — He  shall  be  accountable  to  the 
Quarterly  Conference  for  the  faithful 
discharge  of  his  duties  as  steward  of  his 
class. 

3. — And  also,  it  shall  be  his  duty  to 
provide  the  elements  for  Sacrament. 

Ques. — What  shall  be  done  in  case  of 
immoral  conduct? 

Ans. — The  member  or  members  com- 
plained of,  or  charged  with  immorality, 
shall  be  tried  by  the  class  to  which  they 
belong,  or  a  select  number  thereof  cho- 
sen by  the  parties  concerned,  with  the 
preacher  in  charge  of  the  circuit  or  sta- 
tion, who  shall  be  chairman;  and,  if  found 
guilty,  the  accused  shall  be  expelled,  un- 
less satisfaction  be  given  by  an  expres- 
sion of  repentance  or  otherwise.  But, 
should  any  member  be  dissatisfied  with 
the  decision,  an  appeal  may  be  had  to 
the  Quarterly  Conference,  by  giving  no- 
lice  thereof  to  the  preacher  in  charge. 
In  such  case,  however,  the  same  persons 
shall  not   sit  in    judgment  on  the  sanie 

case. 


DISCIPLINE  39 

Ques,  —  What  shall  be  done  when 
members  trespass  against  each  other? 

Ans. — "If  thy  brother  shall  trespass 
against  thee,  go  and  tell  him  his  fault 
between  thee  and  him  alone;  if  he  shall 
hear  thee,  thou  hast  gained  thy  brother; 
but,  if  he  will  not  hear  thee,  then  take 
with  thee  one  or  two  more;  and  if  he 
shall  neglect  to  hear  them,  tell  it  unto 
the  church;  but  if  he  neglect  to  hear  the 
church,  let  him  be  unto  thee  as  a  heathen 
man  and  a  publican." 

Ques. — What  shall  be  done  in  cases  of 
disputes  between  members  or  preachers? 

Ans. — The  preacher  to  whom  it  shall 
be  known,  shall  inquire  into  the  circum- 
stances of  the  case,  and  shall  recommend 
to  the  contending  parties  a  reference 
consisting  of  one  arbiter  chosen  by  the 
plaintiff  and  another  by  the  defendant, 
and  a  third  by  these  two;  then  thes8 
three  are  to  decide. 

But,  if  either  be  dissatisfied  with  th« 
decision,  such  may  have  a  right  to  an 
appeal  to  the  next  quarterly  conference, 
for  a  second  arbitration,  where  each  par- 


40  UNITED   BRETHREN 

ty  shall  choose  two  arbiters,  and  the  four 
shall  choose  a  fifth;  a  decision  of  a  ma- 
jority of  whom  shall  be  final.  Any  per- 
son refusing  to  abide  by  this  decision, — 
and  every  member  refusing,  in  cases  of 
debt  or  other  disputes,  to  refer  the  mat- 
ter to  arbitration  when  recommended  to 
him  by  a  preacher  or  leader;  or  who 
shall  enter  into  a  lawsuit  with  another 
member  before  these  measures  are  taken, 
shall  be  expelled:  except  when  the  case 
is  of  such  a  nature  as  to  require  and  jus- 
tify a  process  at  law,  as  executors  or 
administrators,  or  when  a  member  is  in 
danger  of  suffering  an  unexpected  loss 
of  property. 

Every  class  leader  shall  keep  a  record 
of  the  proceedings  of  church  trials, 
deaths,  expulsions,  and  removals,  in  a 
book  provided  for  that  purpose;  and  it 
shall  be  his  duty,  in  case  of  an  appeal, 
to  send  said  record  to  the  Quarterly  Con- 
ference. 

Any  person  wishing  to  obtain  license 
to  exhort  or  preach,  must  obtain  from 
the  class  of  which  he  is  a  member,  by  a 


msciPLiNij:.  41 

vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  members,  a  re- 
commendation in  writing,  signed  by  the 
leader,  to  the  quarterly  Conference  of 
his  circuit  or  station. 

SECTION  xn, 
Preachers'  Duties, 

Ques. — What  are  the  duties  of  prea- 
chers? 

Alls. — To  preach  Christ  crucified  when- 
ever they  can  get  hearers;  to  form  class- 
es; to  converse  with  the  members  on 
the  spiritual  condition  of  their  souls;  to 
administer  relief;  to  strengthen  and  di- 
rect those  that  are  afflicted  and  labor  un- 
der temptations;  to  animate  the  indolent; 
to  endeavor  as  much  as  possible  to  edify 
and  instruct  all  in  faith,  in  grace,  and  in 
the  knowledge  of  Jesus  Christ;  to  visit 
the  sick  on  all  occasions;  to  strive  to  en- 
force and  confirm  the  doctrines  they  de- 
liver by  a  well  ordered  and  exemplary 
life. 

Ques, — What  are  the  directions  given 
to  our  preachers? 

Ans.—Ue  diligent.     Never  trifle  away 


42  UNITED    BRETHKEN 

your  time  unnecessarily;  always  be  se- 
rious. Lei  your  motto  be,  "HOLINESS 
UNTO  THE  LORD!"  Avoid  all  light- 
ness and  jesting;  converse  sparingly; 
conduct  yourself  prudently  with  women; 
and  demean  yourself  in  all  respects  as  a 
true  christian. 

Be  at  all  times  averse  to  crediting  evil 
reports;  believe  evil  of  no  one,  without 
good  evidence.  Put  the  best  construc- 
tion on  every  thing. 

2. — Speak  evil  of  no  one.  Whatever 
may  be  your  own  thoughts,  keep  them 
within  your  own  breast,  till  you  can  tell 
the  person  concerned  what  you  think 
wrong  in  his  conduct. 

3. — Let  your  business  be  to  save  as 
many  souls  as  possible.  To  this  employ- 
ment give  yourself  up  wholly.  Visit 
those  who  need  it;  and  act  in  all  things, 
not  according  to  your  own  wills,  but  as 
sons  in  the  gospel.  For  as  such  it  becomes 
your  duty  to  employ  your  time  in  the 
manner  prescribed,  in  preachmg  and 
visiting  from  house  to  house,  in  instruc- 
tion and  prayer,   and   in  meditating  on 


DISCIPLINE.  43 

the  word  of  God.     With  these  be  occu- 
pied until  our  Lord  comelh. 

SECTION    XIII. 
Circuit  Preacbers'  Duties. 

Ques. — What  are  the  duties  of  a  cir- 
cuit preacher? 

Ans.  1. — To  take  the  circuit  assign- 
ed him,  willingly. 

2. — To  attend  the  appointments  on  his 
circuit,  regularly;  preach  to  the  people; 
and  hold  society  meetings. 

3.— The  preacher  in  charge  is  to  see 
that  there  are  suitable  persons  appoint- 
ed, in  each  class,  as  stewards,  leader  or 
leaders. 

4  — 'To  read  the  following  three  sec- 
tions of  our  discipline,  every  six  montlis, 
in  each  class,  viz: — The  Confession  of 
Fctith — The  Duly  of  Members — and  the 
Duly  of  Leaders  and  Stewards. 

5. — To  sit  as  president  on  the  trial  of 
members,  and  see  that  a  correct  account 
of  the  same  is  kept. 

6. — To  render  a  strict  account  of  the 
©Qudition  of  his  eircuii  to  the  Presiding 


44  UNITED    BRETHREN 

Elder,  at  each  quarterly  conference, 
where  he  is  to  be  held  accountable  for 
the  neglect  of  any  regular  appointments 
on  his  circuit. 

7. — To  give  charge  to  all  local  agents 
of  the  Religious  Telescope,  to  keep  an 
account  of  all  its  subscribers  in  their 
respective  neighborhoods. 

8. — To  make  settlement  with  the  local 
agents  every  six  months,  and  render  an 
account  thereof  to  the  district  agent. 

9. — It  shall  be  his  duty  to  keep  a  list 
of  all  the  subscribers  to  our  church  or- 
gans, at  the  difTerent  appointments  on 
his  circuit,  and  hand  it  over  to  his  suc- 
cessor, at  the  Annual  Conference. 

10. — No  preacher  shall  dismiss  any 
appointment  from  his  circuit  without  the 
consent  of  quarterly  conference. 

1 1. — To  make  out  a  list  of  all  the  ap- 
pointments on  his  circuit,  and  present  it 
to  the  Presiding  Elder  at  each  Annual 
Conference,  for  the  convenience  of  his 
successor, 

12 — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  prea- 
chers in  charge  of  circuits  and  stations 


DISCIPLINE.  45 

to  lift  a  collection  annually  at  each  of 
their  preaching  places,  for  the  support 
of  their  Bishops. 

SECTION  XIV. 

Elders,  tUeir  election,  Ordination  and 

I>uty, 

Ques. — How  is  an  Elder  constituted  ? 

Ans. — After  a  probation  of  three  years, 
a  preacher  may  be  presented  to  the  year- 
ly conference,  for  consideration;  and  if 
on  examination,  by  the  conference,  he 
should  be  chosen  as  an  Elder,  he  may, 
by  the  imposition  of  hands  be  ordained 
by  a  Bishop  and  two  Elders.  Yet  cir- 
(cumstances  demanding  it, a  licentiate  may 
fee  presented  to  conference  for  ordination, 
•at  any  time  prior  to  a  probation  of  three 
years;  provided,  so  that  two-thirds  of 
the  Elders  present  vote  for  the  same. 

1 — What  is  the  duty  of  an  Elder? 

To  preach  as  often  as  he  can,  to  bap- 
tize, administer  the  Lord^s  Supper,  sol- 
emnize Marriage,  perform  all  parts  of 
divine  worship,  endeavor  to  establish  and 


46  UNITED    BRETHREN 

hold  class  meeting,  and  assist  in  the  elec- 
tion of  classleaders,  and  stewards. 

2. — Where  a  local  Elder  or  preacher, 
who  does  not  suffer  want  himself,  preach- 
es at  a  place  where  no  traveling  preach- 
er comes  to,  he  shall  make  collections, 
take  a  catalogue  thereof,  and  bring  or 
send  it  to  the  Presiding  Elder,  or  to  the 
Conference  for  the  support  of  needy 
preachers  who  preach  among  the  poor 
people. 

3. — Should  a  traveling  preacher  or  el- 
der desire  to  leave  the  district  assigned 
him,  he  must  first  acquaint  the  Presiding 
Elder  of  his  intention  by  writing;  and 
should  any  one  leave  or  neglect  his  sta- 
tion, except  it  be  through  sickness  or 
other  unavoidable  circumstances,  he  shall 
be  accountable  to  the  next  Annual  Confe- 
rence, and  shall  not  be  entitled  to  any 
salary  for  the  time  he  may  have  traveled 
during  the  year. 

4. — 'Where  there  are  preachers  found 
to  be  settled  at  a  place  who  are  poor  and 
indigent,  and  yet  required  to  preach,  it 
is  reasonable   and   just   that  the  elders 


DISCIPLINE.  47 

should  provide  for  their  support  in  pro- 
portion to  the  time  they  may  be  employ- 
ed, and  by  making  a  collection  for  their 
benefit  among  the  societies  in  their  dis- 
trict, though  not  to  exceed  the  sum  fixed 
and  alotted  to  the  traveling  preachers. 

SECTION  XV. 
Ordination  of  Elders. 

I.-— On  the  day  appointed  there  shall 
be  a  suitable  sermon  or  exhortation  de- 
livered. 

II. — After  their  names  have  been  read 
aloud,  the  Bishop  or  Elder  shall  read 
the  following  articles  to  all  who  may  be 
chosen  for  ordination- 

"An  Elder  must  be  blameless  as  the 
steward  of  God,  not  self  willed,  not  soon 
angry,  not  given  to  wine,  no  striker,  not 
given  to  filthy  lucre.  But  a  lover  of  hos- 
pitality, a  lover  of  good  men,  sober,  just, 
holy,  temperate;  holding  faat  the  faith- 
ful word  as  he  hath  been  taught,  that  he 
may  be  able,  by  sound  doctrine,  both  to 
exhort  and  convince  the  gainsayers."— 
Titus,  i,  7—9. 


48  UNITED    BRETHREN 

Ques. — Do  you  trust  that  you  are  in- 
wardly moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost  to  take 
upon  you  the  office  of  the  ministry,  to 
serve  God  in  the  church  of  Christ,  to  the 
honor  and  glory  of  his  holy  name? 

Ans. — I  trust  I  am. 

Ques. — Do  you  believe  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures, Old  and  New  Testament? 

A71S.—I  do  believe  them. 

Ques. — Will  you  apply  all  your  dili- 
gence to  frame  and  fashion  your  life  ac- 
cording to  the  doctrines  of  Christ:  and 
to  make  yourself,  as  much  as  in  you  li- 
eth,  a  wholesome  example  of  the  iiock  of 
Christ? 

Ans. — I  will,  the  Lord  being  my  helper. 

Ques. — Will  you  obey  them  to  whom 
the  charge  and  government  over  you  is 
■committed,  and  follow  their  godly  admo- 
nitions with  a  willing  and  ready  mind? 

Ans. — I  will  endeavor,  through  the 
grace  of  God,  so  to  do. 

Then  Prayer  is  to  he  offered. 

[After  prayer  the  Bishop  and  Elders 
shall  lay  their  hands  upon  the  heads  of 
every  one  of  them,  and  say:] 


DISCIPLINE.  40 

"Take  thou  authority  to  execute  the 
office  of  an  Elder  in  the  church  of  God, 
in  the  name  of  the  Father,  the  Son,  and 
the  Holy  Ghost:  Amen." 

[Hereupon  the  Bishap  or  Rider  shall 
deliver  to  every  one  of  them  the  Holy 
Bible,  saying:] 

"Take  thou  authority  to  read  and 
preach  the  word  of  God  in  the  Church  of 
Christ." 

[Then  the  Bishop  or  Elder  shall  pray. 
And  after  prayer  he  shall  read  from 
Luke,  xii,  35 — 38:]  "Let  your  loins  be 
girded  about,  and  your  lights  burning, 
and  ye  yourselves  like  unto  men  that 
wait  for  their  Lord,  when  he  shall  return 
from  the  wedding;  that  when  he  cometh 
and  knocketh,  they.may  open  unto  him 
immediately.  Blessed  are  those  servants 
whom  the  Lord  when  he  cometh,  shall 
find  watching.  Verily,  I  say  unto  you, 
that  he  shall  gird  himself,  and  make  them 
sit  down  to  meat,  and  will  come  forth 
and  serve  them,  And  if  he  shall  come 
in  the  ?*econd  walch,  or  come  in  the  third 
2* 


^0  UNITED    BRETHREN 

watch,  and  find  them  so,  blessed  are  those 
servants." 

[After  this  the  following  benediction 
is  to  be  pronounced  :] 

The  peace  of  God  keep  your  hearts  and 
minds  in  the  knoidedge  of  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

SECTION  xvr. 
Presiding  Eltlei-s—Fylection  and  Duty. 

Ques. — How  are  the  Presiding  Elders 
to  be  elected? 

Ans. — They  shall  be  elected  annually 
from  among  the  Elders,  who  have  sus- 
tained that  relation  for  one, or  more  years. 

Ques. — What  are  the  duties  of  a  Pre- 
siding Elder? 

Ans.  1. — To  travel  through  the  dis- 
trict appointed  him,  and  to  preach  as  of- 
ten as  he  can. 

2. — He  is  to  take  charge  of  the  prea- 
chers in  his  district;  and  to  see  that  they 
conduct  themselves  as  becometh  the  gos- 
pel. 

3. — He  shall  appoint  the  quarterly  and 
camp  meetings,  and    attend    them.      He 


DISCIPLINE.  51 

shall  hold  Quarterly  Conferences  wilh  the 
preachers,  exhorters,  leaders,  stewards, 
trustees,  and  administer  the  ordinances, of 
Godls  house.  lie  shall  enquire  and  ex- 
amine whether  the  preachers  do  their 
duty,  preach  every  Sabbath,  and  to  ex- 
hort them  to  maintain  discipline  and  or- 
der, love  and  seriousness  in  the  society. 

4. — ^And  should  any  district  happen  ta 
be  without  a  Presiding  Elder,  information 
shall  immediately  be  given  to  a  Bishopr 
who  shall  appoint  an  Elder  to  preside  ir> 
said  district  until  the  ensuing  Annual 
Conference. 

5. — He  can  also,  in  conjunction  with 
two  elders,  preachers,  exhorters  or  lea- 
ders, [one  from  each  circuit,]  change  the 
preachers  in  his  district.  Should  any 
circuit  be  found  without  a  traveling  prea- 
cher, it  shall  be  his  duty  to  employ  a 
preacher  to  travel  on  that  circuit  until 
the  next  Annual  Conference. 


62  UNITED    BRETHREN 

SECTION  XVIf. 
Ilisliops-«FJection  and  Dutiei. 

Ques. — How  are  the  Bishops  to  be 
elected? 

^725.— The  General  Conference  shall 
elect  them  by  a  majority  of  votes;  yet, 
the  Conference  may,  at  their  option,  re- 
tain the  former  Bishops  four  years  lon- 
ger. The  newly  elected,  however,  as 
well  as  those  retained,  must  be  capable 
of  attending  the  Conferences  appointed 
them:  otherwise,  they  cannot  be  elected. 

Ques. — W  hat  are  the  duties  of  Bishops? 

Ans.  1. — To  preside  over  the  Annual 
and  General  Conferences. 

2. — In  conjunction  with  the  Presiding 
Elders,  of  the  past  and  present  years, 
they  are  to  fix  the  appointments  of  the 
traveling  preachers  for  the  several  cir- 
cuits, stations,  and  missions;  Provided, 
that  they  do  not  allowany  Itinerant  prea- 
cher to  remain  in  the  same  station  or  cir- 
cuit more  than  three  consecutive  years, 
unless  particular  circumstances  require 
it;  and  then  only  with  consent  of  the 
Conference, 


DISCITLINE.  53 

3. — The  Bishops,  in  conjunction  with 
twoel'd-ers  appointed  by  Conference,  shall 
point  out  the  districts  which  are  to  he 
traveled  by  the  Presiding  Eiders. 

4, — They  are  to  attend  to  and  oversee 
the  spiritual  concerns  of  the  church. 

5. — It  is  incumbent  on  thern  to  perform 
the  rites  of  ordination. 

6. — When  a  Bishop  neglects  his  duty, 
he  cannot  be  suffered  to  retain  his  office, 
unless  prevented  by  sickness  or  other 
unavoidable  circumstances. 

7. — If  our  Church  should, at  any  time, 
be  destitute  of  a  Bishop,  a  Chairman  shall 
be  elected  from  among  the  elders  at  each 
Annual  Conference.  Each  chairman  shall 
attend  the  next  succeeding  conference,  in 
conjunction  with  the  Chairman  there 
elected^  that  a  regular  correspondence 
be  maintained  until  the  ensuing  General 
Conference. 

8. — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Bish- 
ops to  see  that  a  suitable  sermon  be  de- 
livered to  the  preachers  present  at  each 
Annual  Conference. 


64  UNITED    BRETHREN 

SECTION  XVI II. 
Immoral  Conduct  of  Prcacliers, 

Ques. — What  shall  be  done  when  a 
Bishop,  Presiding  Elder,  or  Preacher,  is 
reported  of  being  guilty  of  immoralily? 

Ans. — When  a  Bishop  is  thus  accused, 
it  shall  be  the  duty  of  a  Presiding  Elder 
and  an  Elder,  after  being  duly  notified, 
to  enquire  into,  and  examine  whether  it 
is  founded  in  truth.  But  as  the  apostle 
says:  "Receive  not  an  accusation  against 
an  Elder,  but  before  two  or  three  wit- 
nesses'T?'  1  Tim.,  v,  19;  they  shall  not  ar- 
raign him  on  mere  vague  reports.  But 
if  it  appears  that  he  is  justly  accused, 
they  shall  arraign  him;  take  down  their 
proceedings  in  writing,  and  send  a  copy 
thereof  to  the  Bishop  accused,  and  appoint 
a  time  and  place  where  the  accusers  and 
the  accused  shall  meet;  where  the  case 
shall  be  tried  by  two  Presiding  Elders 
and  three  Elders;  and  if  he  is  found 
guilty,  he  shall  hold  his  peace  until  the 
sitting  of  the  Annual  Conference  next  en- 
suing, who  shall  again  examine  and  try 
the  said  case.     And  if  again  found  guilty, 


DISCIPLINE.  55 

he  shall  be  suspended  or  expelled,  as  the 
case  may  require, 

2, — When  a  Presiding  Elder  is  thus 
accused,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  nea- 
rest Eider,  and  a  Preacher,  to  enquire 
into  and  examine  the  same;  and  if  the 
accused  be  found  guilty,  they  shall  take 
down  their  proceedings  in  writing,  and 
send  the  accused  a  copy  thereof,  and  ap- 
point a  time  and  place  where  the  accus- 
ers and  the  accused  shall  meet;  and  in 
the  absence  of  the  Bishop  another  Pre- 
siding Elder,  and  two  Elders,  shall  ex- 
amine the  charge;  and  if  he  is  found 
guilty,  he  shall  hold  his  peace  until  the 
next  Annual  Conference,  where  he  shall 
be  accountable. 

3. — When  an  Elder  or  Preacher  is 
charged  with  immoral  conduct,  the  prea- 
cher, to  whom  it  is  known,  shall  take 
with  him  another  preacher,  exhorter,  or 
leader,  and  examine  into  the  charge. 
Should  he  be  found  guilty,  notice  thereof 
shall  be  given  him,  and  a  time  and  place 
appomted  where  the  accusers  and  the 
accused  shall  meet.     Then  three  Eldeis^ 


56  UNITED   BRETHREN 

or  Preachers  shall  try  his  case,  who  are 
to  be  appointed  by  the  parties  concerned, 
each  party  appointing  one,  aod  the  two 
a  third;  and  if  he  be  convicted,  he  shall 
hold  his  peace  till  the  Annual  Conference, 
where  heshall  be  accountable.  Butshould 
sufficient  satisfaction  be  given  in  either  of 
the  foregoing  cases,  by  an  expression  of 
repentance,  or  otherwise,  they  may  be 
retained,  if  considered  expedient.  But 
should  the  accused  Preacher,  Elder,  or 
Bishop,  refuse  to  attend,  after  having 
been  notified  of  the  time  and  place  of 
trial,  he  shall  be  suspended;  and  the 
committee  shall  notify  him  to  appear  at 
the  next  Quarterly  or  Annual  Confer- 
ence, to  answer  to  the  charges  preferred 
against  him;  and  if  he  fails  to  attend, 
[sickness  or  unavoidable  circumstane^K 
excepted,]  heshall  be  suspended,  or  exK 
pelled  as  Conference  may  think    propci:^ . 

SECTION  XIX. 
Preachers'  !$alaries. 

1. — The  annual    allowance  of  a  trav- 
eling Bishop,  or  Preacher,  if  he  has  no 


DISCIPLINE.  67 

family,  shall  be  one  hundred  dollars,  and 
his  traveling  expenses^  if  he  has  a  fa- 
mily, it  shall  be  two  hundred  dollars,  his 
traveling  expenses  and  hou^e  rent  not 
exceeding  forty  dollars. 

2. — When  a  traveling  preacher  has 
a  family  of  children,  the  Quarterly  Con- 
ference of  his  Circuit,  is,  in  that  case,  to 
grant  him  such  an  allowance,  in  addition 
to  that  above  stated,  as,  in  their  judg- 
ment, will  supply  the  wants  of  his  family. 

3. — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  circuit 
or  station,  when  a  preacher  is  sent  to 
them  by  Annual  Conference,  to  move  said 
preacher  on  such  circuit  or  station,  at 
their  own  expence. 

Ques. — What  shall  be  done  for  the 
needy,  superannuated,  or  worn  out  tra- 
veling preachers,  and  for  their  widows 
and  orphans, 

Ans. — The  dividend  falling  to  the  dif- 
ferent conferences  from  the  benevolent 
fund,  shall  be  appropriated  to  their  sup- 
port.— Provided,  it  be  strictly  observed 
that  the  Benevolent  Fund  money  shall 
not  be  appropriated  to  any  other  purpose. 


50  UNITED    BRETIIKEN 

If  there  are  no  such  claimants  as  the 
above  specified,  it  shall  be  retained  by 
the  Conference,  from  year  to  year,  un- 
til such  cases  do  occur.  And  in  case  the 
Annual  Conference  shall,  upon  evidence 
received,  be  satisfied  that  there  are  such 
claimants,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  Confer- 
ence to  appoint  a  committee,  one  of  whom 
shall  be  a  Bishop,  to  divide  said  fund. 
Provided,  however,  that  a  superannuated 
preacher  shall  be  allowed  no  more,  annu- 
al ly,  that  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars, 
if  married,  and  no  more  than  seventy- 
five  dollars,  if  unmarried:  widows,  no 
more,  annually,  than  seventy  five  dol- 
lars: and  an  orphan  no  more  than  twen- 
ty, while  under  12  years  of  age. 

SECTION  XX. 
Marriage  Ceremony, 

ADDRESS. 

We  are  gathered  together  in  the  sight 
of  God,  and  in  the  presence  of  these  wit- 
nesses, to  join  together  N,  and  M.  as 
husband  and  wife.  If  any  persons  pre- 
sent know  any  just  cause  or  impediment 


DISCITLINE.  "   59 

why  ihosG  persons  sliould  not  bo  joined 
in  nnarriage,  let  the  same  now  speak,  or 
forever  hereafler  keep  silent. 

[If  no  impedinnent  be  alleged,  then 
shall  tlie  minister  say  unto  the  man:] 

N.,  Wilt  thou  have  this  women  to  thy 
wedded  wife,  to  live  together  after God\s 
ordinance?  Wilt  ihou  love,  honor,  and 
comfort  her  in  sickness  and  in  health, 
in  prosperity  and  adversity;  and  forsa- 
kmg  all  others,  keep  thee  only  unto  her 
so  long  as  ye  both  shall  live?  If  so  then 
answer,  '-Yes." 

[Then  shall  the  Minister  say  to  the 
woman  :] 

M.,  VVilt  thou  have  this  man  to  thy 
wedded  husband,  to  live  together  after 
God''s  ordinance?  Wilt  thou  love,  honor, 
and  obey  him,  in  sickness  and  in  health, 
in  prosperity  and  adversity;  and,  forsa- 
king all  others,  keep  thee  only  unto  him 
so  long  as  ye  both  shall  live.  If  so,  then 
answer,  '•Yes.'" 

(Then  the  Minister  shall  require  them 
to  join  their  right  hands  together,  and 
say] 


€0  BiNITED    BRETHREN 

Those  whom  God  halh  joined  together, 
let  no  man  put  asunder. 

Inasmuch  as  N.  and  M.  have  consent- 
ed together  in  marriage,  and  have  wit- 
nessed the  same  before  God  and  these 
witnesses,  I  pronounce  them  husband  and 
wife,  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  the  Son, 
and  Holy  Ghost:  Amen: 

Ques^ — Who  of  our  ministers  are  per- 
mitted to  solemnize  marriage? 

Ans. — All  ordained  ministers,  and  also 
those  that  hav«  obtained  license  from  an 
Annual  Conference,  where  the  law  of 
the  State  makes  it  the  privilege  of  every 
regular  licenced  minister  to  solemnize 
marriage,  and  none  are  permitted  to  sol- 
emnize marriage  with  Q«<tr/€r/j/ Confer- 
ence license. 

SECTION  xxr. 
Necessity  of  Union    anaonjr  Ourselves. 

Let  us  be  deeply  sensible  (from  what 
we  have  known,)  of  the  evil  of  a  divis- 
ion in  principle,  spirit,  or  practice,  and 
of  the  dreadful  consequences  to  ourselves 
and  others.     If  we  are  united  what  can 


mSGIPLlRE.  6"t 

stand  before  us?  If  we  are  divided,  we 
shall  injure  ourselves,  the  work  of  God, 
and  the  souls  of  our  people. 

What  can  be  done  in  order  to  a  closer 
union  with  each  other? 

1. — Let  us  be  d'eeply  convinced  of  the 
absolute  necessity  of  it. 

2, — Pray  earnestly  for,  and  speak  tru- 
ly and  freely  to  each  other. 

3\ — When  we  meet  let  ws  never  part 
without  prayer. 

4. — Take  great  care  nat  to  despise  each 
other's  gifts. 

5. — Never  speak  lightly  ofeach  other. 

6. — Let  us  defend  each  other's  charac- 
ters in  every  things  so  far  as  is  consis- 
tent with  truth. 

7. — Labor,  in  honor,  each,  to  prefer 
another  before  himself. 

8. — We  recommend  a  serious  exami- 
nation of  the  causes,  evils  and  cures  of 
heart  and  church  divisions. 


/' 


62  UNITEij    liI<]:TIIRK?( 

SKCTION   XXII. 

Visiting  CvoiH  Blouse  to    House, and  cua 
iorcint^   Practical  Ueii^ioii. 

Ques. — flow  can  we  lurthcr  assist  those 
under  our  care? 

Ans.  K — By  instruciing  them  at  their 
own  houses,  which  is  necessary  to  pro- 
mote coufidence  and  communion  with  God 
among  up,  to  wean  us  from  the  love  of  the 
world,  and  to  mure  us  to  a  life  of  heaven- 
ly mindedness;  also,  to  encourage  us  to 
strive  after  and  practise  brotherly  love, 
that  no  evil  thinking  or  judging  of  one 
another  be  found  among  us;  and,  lastly, 
that  vve  may  learn  to  do  as  we  would  v/ish 
to  be  done  unto. 

2. — Every  preacher  should  make  it 
bis  duty  to  instruct  the  people  on  every 
occasion,  both  public  and  private;  and 
exhort  them  to  be  diligent  in  all  good 
works  and  doctrine.  Until  this  be  done, 
and  that  in  sincerity,  we  shall,  upon  the 
whole,  be  of  but  little  use,  and  our  good 
shall  be  evil  spoken  of;  therefore,  wher- 
ever we  may  be  we  should  guard  against 
useless  and  idle  conversation. 


DISCIPLINE.  G3 

Undoubtedly  this  private  application 
of  visiting  from  house  to  house,  and  ex- 
horting the  people,  is  found  or  implied 
in  these  solemn  words  of  the  Apostle: 

''I  charge  thee,  therefore,  before  God, 
and  the  I^ord  Jesus  Christ,  who  shall 
judge  the  quick  and  dead  at  Mis  appea- 
ring, and  His  kingdom;  preach  the  word  ; 
be  instant  in  season  and  out  of  season; 
reprove,  rebuke,  exhort,  with  all  long 
suffering  and  doctrine,"-II  Tim.  iv.  1,  2. 

SECTION  XXIII. 
Instruction  of  Cltildren* 

What  shall  be  done  to  benefit  the  ri- 
sing generation? 

Let  him  who  is  in  any  way  zealous  for 
God,  and  the  souls  of  men,  begin  the 
work  withoutdelay.  Whereverchildren 
are  found,  meet  them  as  often  as  possible; 
speak  freely  with  them,  and  instruct 
them  diligently;  exhort  them  to  be  good, 
and  pray  with  them,  earnestly,  yet  sim- 
ply and  plainly,  that  they  may  learn  to 
know  their  Creator  and  Redeemer  in  the 
days  of  their  youth. 


64  UNITED    BRETHREN 

SECTrOM  XXIV. 
Doctrinal  Publications. 

No  one  of  our  preachers  or  laymen 
shall  become  the  Author  of  any  Doctri- 
nal Book  or  Pamphlet,  in  a  printed  form, 
without  the  approbation  of  the  Annual 
Conference,  or  of  a  committee  chosen  by 
the  same.  And  if  any  preacher  or  lay- 
man violates  this  rule,  he  shall  be  ac- 
countable to  the  class,  or  to  the  Quarterly 
or  Annual  Conference,  as  the  case  may  be. 

SECTION  XXV. 
Oatlis. 

We  believe  that  the  mode  of  testify- 
ing to  the  truth,  when  required  so  to  do, 
in  a  legal  form,  by  way  of  affirmation, 
is  on  us  solemnly,  conscientiously,  and 
fully  binding  before  God  to  tell  the  truth, 
the  whole  truth,,  and  nothing  but  the 
tratb. 


DISCIPLINE.  65 

SECTION  XXVI, 

Ardent  Spirits^ 

The  distilling  and  vending  of  ardent 
spirits  shall  hereafter  be  forbidden  thro'- 
ought  our  whole  society.  Should  any 
preacher,  exhorter,  leader,  or  layman, 
from  and  after  the  next  Annual  Confer- 
•ence  in  1842,  be  engaged  in  distilling  or 
vending  ardent  spirits,  he  shall  be  ac- 
countable to  the  class,  the  quarterly  or 
annual  Conference,  to  which  he  belongs, 
as  the  case  may  be.  If  the  offending 
t>rother  be  an  exhorter,  leader,  or  lay- 
man, it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  preacher 
in  charge  to  admonish  him  in  meekness. 
If  he  be  a  preacher,  it  shall  be  the  duty 
of  the  Presiding  Officer  of  a  Quarterly 
or  Annual  Conference  to  admonish  him 
lo  desist  from  his  unholy  employment; 
and  if  all  friendly  admonitions  fail,  such 
offending  person  or  persons  shall  no  more 
be  considered  as  members  of  our  church, 
but  be  expelled  from  the  same. — Provi- 
ded, however,  that  this  rule  shall  not  be 
so  construed  as  to  prevent  druggists  and 

3 


66  UNITED   BRETHREN 

Others  from  vending  for  medicinal  or  me- 
chanical purposes. 

SECTION  XXVII. 
Free  Masonry, 

Free  Masonry,  in  every  sense  of  the 
word,  shall  be  totally  prohibited,  and  in 
no  wise  tolerated  in  our  Society.  And 
should  any  of  our  members  continue  to 
attend  their  lodges,  or  join  as  a  member 
in  any  masonic  procession,  or  otherwise 
join  a  masonic  fraternity,  he  sliall,for  so 
doing,  be  excluded  from  our  church. 

SECTION  XXVIII. 
Slavery. 

All  slavery,  in  every  sense  of  the  word, 
is  totally  prohibited,  and  shall  in  no  way 
be  tolerated  in  our  church.  Should  any 
be  found  in  our  Society,  who  hold  slaves, 
they  cannot  continue  as  members  unless 
they  do  personally  manumit  or  set  free 
such  slaves. 


DISCIPLINE.  G7 

SECTION   XXIX. 

fCulcs  and  Kcg'iilations 

Of  our  JPrintin^£sta1>lisStnicnt  iu  €ir- 

clcvillc,  Oliio. 

RULE    I. 

1. — The  above  Establishment  shall  be 
called  ""The  Conference  Printing  Estab- 
lishmentof  iheUnited  Brethren  inChrist.'"' 

2. — The  legislative  authority,  herein 
granted,  is  vested  in  the  General  Con- 
ference of  said  Church,  whose  duly  it  is 
to  make  or  amend  any  rules,  as  in  their 
judgment  may  seem  expedient. 

3. — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  General 
Conference  to  appoint  or  elect  three 
Trustees  every  four  years;  and,  also,  to 
employ  an  Editor  and  Publishing  Agent. 

4. — If  a  vacancy  should  occur  in  the 
Editorial  or  Agency  Department,  it  shall 
be  the  duty  of  the  Trustees  to  employ 
some  other  suitable  person  or  persons  to 
fill  said  vacancy  until  the  sitting  of  the 
next  General  Conference. 

5. — In  case  a  vacancy  in  the  Board  of 
Trustees  should  occur,  it  shall  be  the  duty 
of  the  remaining  two  lu  appoint  a  third 


68  UNITED    BRETHREN 

person  to  fill  the  vacancy  until  the  silting 
of  the  next  General  Conference. 

6. — The  proceeds  of  said  establish- 
ment, over  and  above  contingent  expen- 
ses, shall  be  applied  to  the  traveling  and 
worn  out  preachers,  and  their  widows 
and  orphans,  to  be  equally  divided  annu- 
ally among  the  ditlerent  Annual  Confe- 
rences. 

RULE    II. 

1. — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Trus- 
tees to  make  settlement  with  the  Publish- 
ing Agent  and  Editor  every  six  months; 
and  cause  the  Publishing  Agent  to  make 
out  a  report  to  each  Annual  Conference, 
of  the  Scioto  District;  and,  aiso,  to  make 
a  special  report  to  each  General  Con- 
ference. 

2. — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Scioto 
Annual  Conference,  in  the  interval  of 
the  sessions  of  the  General  Conference, 
to  see  that  the  Editor,  Publishing  Agent, 
and  Trustees,  discharge  their  official  du- 
ties as  required. 

3. — On    impeachment  of  any    of  the 


DISCIPLINE.  69 

above  named  officers  it  shall  be  the  duty 
of  the  above  named  Annual  Conference 
to  examine  into  said  impeachment;  and, 
if  guilty,  in  their  opinion,  to  dismiss 
them,  and  supply  the  vacancy  until  the 
sitting  of  the  next  General  Conference. 

RULE    III. 

1. — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Editor 
to  pay  STRICT  attention  to  all  communica- 
tions sent  for  insertion;  to  revise  them, 
if  necessary,  and  then  insert  them.  But, 
if  he  should  receive  any,  which,  in  his 
opinion,  are  repugnant  to  the  doctrine 
and  rules  of  our  church,  he  shall  pre- 
sent them  to  the  Publishing  Agent,  or  to 
one  or  more  of  the  Trustees;  and,  if  re- 
jected by  them,  they  shall  be  withheld; 
otherwise,  inserted. 

2. — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Editor 
to  write  editorial  for  each  number  of  the 
paper;  and  to  attend  strictly  to  the  read- 
ing of  proof-sheet,  making  selections,  &c. 

3. — The  Trustees  shall  have  a  general 
oversight  over  the  Editor  and  Publishing 


70  UNITED    BRETHREN 

Agent,  and  see  that  they  discharge  their 
duty;  and  if  they  do  not,  they  may  be 
suspended  until  the  sitting  of  the  next 
Annual  Conference,  which  shall  deter- 
mine the  matter;  in  which  case  said 
Trustees  shall  supply  the  vacancy  for  the 
time  being. 

RULE    IV. 

1. — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Publish- 
ing Agent  to  take  charge  of  the  temporal 
concerns  of  the  office;  to  keep  all  the 
books  pertaining  thereunto;  to  furnish, 
at  the  direction  of  the  Trustees,  such 
materials  as  may  be  needed  at  all  times; 
and  to  act  as  General  Book  Agent  under 
the  instruction  of  said  Tj  ustees. 

2. — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Publish- 
ing Agent  to  keep  a  general  oversight 
over  the  hands  in  the  olnce,  and  see  that 
ihcy  do  not  spend  their  time  in   idleness. 

3. — Tiie  Trustees  shall  have  privilege 
to  make  any  by-laws  that  may  seem  ex- 
pedient to  them,  for  the  better  regulation 
of  the  minor  concerns  of  the  office:  pro- 
vided, they  do  not  violate  any  part  of  the 
above  rules. 


DISCIPLINE.  71' 

SECTION  XXX. 
Book  Agency. 

1. — There  shall  be  a  Book  Agent  ap- 
pointed in  each  Annual  Conference  Dis- 
trict, whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  take 
charge  of  all  books  sent  to  him  by  the 
Publishing  Agent,  and  appertaining  to, 
the  Conference  Printing  Establishment 
in  Circleville,  Ohio. 

2. — Said  Agent  shall  be  accountable  to 
the  Publishing  Agent  of  said  Establish- 
ment. 

3. — It  shall  be  his  duty,  so  far  as  may 
be  safe  or  expedient,  to  distribute  to  the 
circuit  preachers,  for  the  use  of  the 
church,  ail  the  books  that  may  be  sent 
to  him  by  the  Publishing  Agent, 

4, — Said  Agent  shall  keep  an  accurate 
account  of  all  the  distributions  of  books, 
and  collections  of  money,  for,  and  in  be- 
half of  said  establishment.  If  books  are 
wanted  in  his  district,  he  is  to  notify  the 
Publishing  Agent  by  letter;  and  each 
Annual  Conference  shall  be  responsible 
for  all  moneys  or  books  in  the  hands  of 
the  agent  of  its  own  appointing,  and  on 


72  UNITED   BRETHREN 

default  or  neglect  of  duty  on  the  part  of 
a  district  agent,  the  Conference  of  which 
said  agent  is  a  member,  shall   be   consi- 
dered  bound   for   any   sum  thus  delin- 
quent, with  interest  from  the  time  of  such 
default,  or  neglect   of  duty — Also,  any 
district  agent  when  succeeded  by  another 
in  office,  neglecting  to  transfer  all  books 
in  his  hands  to   his  successor,  and  for- 
warding a  receipt  therefor,   and  closing 
\ip  his  own  account,  in   some   way  satis- 
factorily shall  be  considered  as  neglecting 
his  duty  in  the  sense  above  specified.   Said 
agent  shall  receive  a  fair   per  centage, 
as  fixed  by  the  Trustees,  for  his  servi- 
ces, and  be  held  responsible  for    all  dis- 
tributions of  books  that  he  makes. 

5.~When  a  district  agent  fails  to  comply 
with  the  requirements  of  discipline,  ihe 
Publishing  Agent  shall  inform  the  Annu- 
al Conference  of  which  he  is  a  member 
or  resident,  of  such  delinquency. 

6. — Said  Agent  shall  make  settlement 
with  the  Publishing  Agent,  by  letter  or 
otherwise,  every  six  months^ 


DISCIPLINE.  73 


SECTION  XXXI. 


Order  to  be  obscrrcd  in    Building 
inceting:  Houses. 

Ques. — Is  any  thing  advisable  in  re- 
gard to  the  building  of  Meeting  Houses? 
^715. — Let  all  our  Meeting  Houses  be 
built  plainly  and  neatly  with  free  seats, 
and  not  more  expensive  than  necessary. 
Ques. — To  whom  are  our  meeting  hou- 
ses, and  the  premises  belonging  to  them, 
to  be  deeded? 

Ans.— To  a  Board  of  Trustees,  and 
their  successors  in  office,  in  trust,  as  the 
property  of  the  Church  of  the  United 
Brethren  in  Christ. 

Ques. — How  is  a  Board  of  Trustees 
constituted? 

Ans. — Whenever  it  is  contemplated, 
by  a  Society,  to  purchase  or  to  build  a 
Meeting  House,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  a 
leader  or  steward  of  such  Society  to 
make  it  known  to  the  Quarterly  Confer- 
ence of  the  Circuit  or  Station  to  which 
he  belongs,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  ap- 
point a  judicious  Board  of  Trustees,  of 
not  less  than  three   in  number.     Provi- 


74  UNITED    BRETHREN 

ded,  however,  that  none  be  required  to 
serve  more  than  four  years,  unless  in- 
dispensably necessary.  No  person  shall 
be  considered  eligible  as  a  Trustee  for 
any  of  our  Meeting  Houses,  who  is  not 
a  regular  member  of  our  Church. 

Ques. — How  are  the  Trustees  to  pro- 
ceed in  building  a  house? 

Ans. — No  Society  shall  commence  the 
building  of  any  meeting  house,  without 
first  getting  an  act  of  incorporation, 
where  the  law  of  the  State  requires  it. 
They  shall  form  an  estimate  of  the 
amount  necessary  to  procure  a  lot,  to 
build,  and  to  make  such  other  improve- 
ments as  may  be  conceived  necessary. 
And  they  shall  at  no  time  proceed  with 
the  building  of  a  house  of  worship,  be- 
vond  the  means,  either  in  hand  or  suffi- 
cientiy  secured,  so  as  to  avoid  involving 
our  houses  of  worship  any  way  in  debt, 
and  also  secure  a  lawful  title  for  the  lot 
upon  which  they  intend  to  build. 

To  hold  annual  meetings,  and  keep  a 
fair  and  regular  record  of  the  transac- 
tions oi'  their  Board,  in  a  book  provided 


DISCIPLINE.  15 

for  that  purpose,  which  shall  at  all  limes 
be  open  ("or  inspection  by  the  Quarterly 
Conference  of  said  Circuit  or  Station. 

To  take  charge  of  the  meeting  house 
property,  furniture,  premises,  burial 
ground,  «Sz;c, 

Ques. — What  shall  be  done  when  a 
vacancy  or  vacancies  occur  in  the  Board 
of  Trustees? 

Ans. — It  shall  bo  the  duty  of  the  Quar- 
terly Conference  to  appoint  a  suitable 
person  or  persons  to  fill  such   vacancies. 

Ques, — What  shall  be  done  when  any 
of  our  houses  are  vacant? 

Ans. — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  a  Quar- 
terly Conference,  of  the  nearest  circuit, 
to  appoint  not  less  than  three  suitable 
persons  for  Trustees,  who  shall  have  the 
power,,  when  authorized  by  two-thirds 
i  of  the  members  of  that«  Conference,  to 
lease,  rent,  or  sell  such  meeting  house, 
and  tlic  appurtenances  belonging  to  it; 
and  lo  appropriate  the  money  arising 
from  such  lease,  rent,  or  sale,  to  what 
said  Conference  may  direct. 


76  UNITED   BRETHREN 

The  above  rule  to  be  observed  in  pur- 
chasing or  building  parsonage  houses. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  our  Presiding 
Elders,  as  soon  as  convenient,  to  appoint, 
or  see  that  three  or  five  suitable  persons 
are  appointed  with  the  consent  of  the 
Quarterly  Conference,  to  take  up  sub- 
scriptions to  build  or  purchase  a  parson- 
age house  for  their  respective  Stations  or 
Circuits,  the  same  to  be  deeded  to  those 
three  or  five  Trustees,  and  their  succes- 
sors in  office,  for  the  use  of  the  Church 
of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ.  We 
command  that  all  our  parsonage  houses 
be  plain,  and  located  in  some  central 
place. 

Note. — The  Trustees  should  be  care- 
ful, in  all  cases,  to  have  deeds  of  convey- 
ance legally  executed,  and  recorded  in 
the  county  records  where  the  property 
is :  that  is,  to  have  the  deed  made  to  them 
and  to  their  successors  in  office,  in  trust, 
-for  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in 
Christ,  and  to  erect  and  build,  or  cause 
to  be  built,  a  house  df  worship  for  the 
use  of  the  members  of  said  Church. 


DISCIPLINE.  77 

SECTION  XXXII, 
Certificates. 

Members  of  our  Society  moving  to  oth- 
er places,  and  seeking  admission  there, 
shall  procure  such  a  Certificate  as  this, 
signed  by  a  leader  or  Preacher — 

"This  is  to  certify  that  A.  B.  is  a  mem- 
ber of  ^ood  standing  in  the  Church  of  the 
United  Brethren  in  Christ,  at 

(Date,  &c.) 

Preachers  removing  from  one  Confer- 
ence district  to  another, shall,  when  they 
apply  to  another  Conference  for  admis- 
sion, produce  a  transfer  from  the  Con- 
ference to  which  he  formerly  belonged, 
and  to  be  signed  by  the  Presiding  officer. 


INDEX. 

Annual  Conference,         -         -  21 

Ardent  Spirits,         -          -          -  65 

Bishops,  Election  and  Duties,         -  62 

Book  Agency,         -         -         -         -  71 

Building  Meeting  Houses,  &c,         -  V3 

Confession  of  Faith,          -          -  12 

Constitution,         -         -         -         -  15 

Course  of  Reading,         -         -         -  25 

Classes,             -             -         -         -  37 

Circuit  Preachers' Duty,         -         -  43 

Certificates,             -             -         -  77 

Doctrinal  Publications,         -         -  64 
Elders'  Election,  Ordination  and  Duty,  45 

F^^'ming  and  Meeting  Classes,       -  36 

Free  Masonry,          .         -         .  qq 

General  Conference,          -          -  18 

Itinerant  Plan,         -         -         -         -  26 

Immoral  Conduct  of  Preachers,      -  54 

Instruction  of  Children,         -         -  63 

Members  in  General,         -         -  32 

Marriage  Ceremony,             -         -  58 

Necessity  of  Union,  &c.         -         -  60 

Origin  of  the  Church,         -         -  3 

Ordination  of  Elders,         -             -  47 

Oaths, 64 

Preachers' Duties,         ~         -         -  41 


INDEX.  79 

Presiding  Elders  Election  and  Duty,  50 

Preachers'  Salaries,  -  -  66 

Quarterly  Conference,         -         -  29 

Reception  of  Preachers,         -         -  23 

llules  and  Regulations  of  Printing }  ^- 

Establishment,  ( 

Slavery,     .         -         .         -         ~  66 

Visiting  from  House  to  House,      -  62 


BX9878.52  .Al  1845 

Origin,  doctrine,  constitution,  and 


Princeton  Theological  Seminary-Speer  Library 


1    1012  00045  5891 


-.Jfc 


